It has long been recognised that animals needs alter during various stages of life, the needs of a puppy or kitten differs from the needs of an older aged dog or cat.

Older pets are seen to require more attention and veterinary care usually than younger pets. The small amount of extra looking after will be well rewarded, in continuing good health for them, and years of companionship for you.

The term old aged really depends on the breed/species of the animal but usually an animal is termed elderly over the age of eight. A lot of pets at this age still show much of the young adult features bounding around with plenty of energy and vigour which is why a lot of pets at this age usually only visit the vets when it comes round to annual vaccination or a specific illness.

The old adage, prevention is better than cure is all the more important when a much-loved family friend enters the later years of its life. This is where our in-house pet health consultant becomes important to you, for it is not what you do then, but what you do now.

WHY DO THEY REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION?

As dogs and cats grow older, their organs may become less efficient at dealing with day to day needs and may be less able to resist infections and other diseases. As a responsible pet owner you will want your pet to remain healthy and active for as long as possible

CARING FOR THE HEALTH OF AN ELDERLY ANIMAL

Diet
There are several reasons why a different diet may be needed, he or she may be less active and therefore require fewer calories. The digestive system may become less efficient in digestion and absorption and a highly digestible diet may need to be fed Phosphorous and protein content may need to be reduced if your pet has the onset of kidney problems. Usually a lot of these conditions only become apparent once a problem has already established.

Exercise
Arthritis is a common problem with elderly animals and can be quite distressing to owners

Circulation
Older pets are more susceptible to diseases of the heart and lungs

Senses
hearing, sight and smell can all become less acute and you will need to make allowances for this.

Oral hygiene
Disease of the gums is a very common problem and can result in extensive and expensive treatment, but may also cause a more serious problem if bacteria enter the blood stream through the infected gums.

Functions
Urinary incontinence can be a problem with older pets.

Weight
Being overweight not only exaggerates old age but can reduce your pets life span quite significantly. Also due to reduced absorbency of the diet an older aged pet could well be under weight as well.

Kidney/Liver changes
Reduced efficiency by these organs is usually only detected once the problem becomes quite established. The kidneys process and eliminate waste products and if left unchallenged damage will be irreversible.

Picky reduced appetite
Elderly pets sometimes become fussy eaters and need to be tempted, a more palatable diet may need to be fed.

Regular veterinary check ups
Regular health screens with a pet health counsellor can help prevent problems often before any symptoms are exhibited.

Should your pet for any reason require a general anaesthesia, having been enrolled on the health screen program, risks can be reduced to a minimum.

YOUR PET AND YOUR PRACTICE NURSE

The health screen would consist of the following. A physical examination, recommendations for diet and exercise, diagnostic tests such as a urine analysis to detect early problems with your pets health and referral to a veterinary surgeon where considered necessary

Should you require your pet to be enrolled on the health screen program, the practice here offers an inexpensive service of a pet health councillor, a health screen is recommended every 6-l2mnths for older pets.

Pet Health Counsellor